The engine running smooth and smoking might be something as simple as disintegrated valve stem seals

The valve cover with the vents brazed shut is a common solution to keeping water from pouring out of the cowl vent hose straight into the crank case. It doesn't necessarily mean the engine had a blow-by gas problem. Make sure the oil cap is vented, however.


1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)

1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)